Fresh produce overflowing for Dapto Show

The Paweleks got up at 4am on Friday to pack their pumpkins, potatoes, corn, carrots, squash, spinach, lettuce and other vegies for judging at this weekend’s Dapto Show.

The Farmborough Heights family has been displaying fresh produce at the show for 10 years, winning hundreds of awards and donating the prize money back to the community.

One of the show’s organisers, Rhonda Blackett, said the family’s generosity was appreciated.

‘‘They could have a show on their own with all the fruit and veg they bring to display,’’ she said.

Sonya Pawelek said they had about 20 boxes of produce, including their own honey.

‘‘You pick more than anybody can eat ... bring it home on Sunday afternoon and hand it out to family and friends,’’ she said.

Two years ago the family donated their prize money to bushfire victims, but most of the time it goes towards encouraging children to get involved in the show by providing extra prizes.

The two-day Dapto Show reaches its climax on Saturday with special jousting performances, daredevil ute driving demonstrations and a display by the 73rd Regiment of Foot, who wear 19th-century soldiers’ uniforms and fire rifles of that period.